When I set out to write Mercy Mild, I planned a 25-day countdown to Christmas, but if you’ve been around me long enough, you’ve probably heard me mention—more than once—that I’m bad at math. I’m not exaggerating either. It’s become something of a running joke, and today, I’m proving the point yet again.
Anyways, I planned a 25-day countdown to Christmas. Of course, I included a chapter for Christmas Day—because who doesn’t? But during my final week of editing, as I double-checked everything, I realized something wasn’t quite right. I had written 26 chapters. Somehow, in my math-challenged brain, I overshot the target and ended up with an extra chapter. So, with the countdown framework in mind, I had to cut it.
The good news? That “bonus” chapter is getting its moment now! It’s called “1 Day After Christmas: The First Evangelists”, and it focuses on the shepherds’ incredible response to the nativity. Luke 2:17-18 shows how they couldn’t keep quiet about what they had seen and heard—they became the very first evangelists, joyfully spreading the news of Christ’s arrival.
So, whether you’re still celebrating or simply unwinding from the big day, let this chapter be a reminder of the joy and urgency of sharing the good news. I’m excited to share it with you below!
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1 Day After Christmas: The First Evangelists
“When they had seen Him, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. And all who heard it were amazed about the things which were told them by the shepherds.” — Luke 2:17–18
The numbers tell us what we already sense—fewer people talk about faith these days. Yet the Christmas story hasn’t lost an ounce of its power. If anything, it hits harder now than ever.
God picked shepherds. Not priests. Not scholars. Not the folks you’d expect to get the news flash of the century. Just… shepherds. Regular people doing their regular job on what started as a regular night.
These guys weren’t spiritual superstars. They were working the night shift, probably fighting sleep, maybe sharing stories to stay awake. And then—boom. The sky lights up.
They were scared out of their minds. The angel had to tell them, “Do not be afraid.” And then the fear turns to wonder. Then wonder turns to action. And before you know it, these ordinary shepherds become the first people to tell others about Jesus. Not because someone handed them a script or sent them to training. They shared because they couldn’t help it.
What if we took a page from their playbook? No fancy strategies. No rehearsed speeches. Just people sharing what they’ve experienced with Jesus. Because when something—or Someone—changes your life, you talk about it.
The shepherds weren’t just the first to share the good news. They’re still showing us how it’s done.
Our Call to Share: Motivations for Evangelism
The shepherds didn’t sit down and make a pros-and-cons list about sharing what they’d seen. They didn’t form a committee or draft a strategic plan. They just… went. Told people. Because when you encounter something amazing, something that changes everything—you talk about it.
Sometimes we get tangled up in our heads about sharing our faith. We turn it into this big, scary thing. But what if we stripped away all the pressure and remembered why we share in the first place?
For the Glory of God
When we share what God has done—what He’s doing—that’s worship. Pure and simple. Not just the singing kind (though that’s great too), but the kind that says, “God, You’re worth talking about.”
Charles Spurgeon expressed it well:
“It is a privilege just to stand on the same platform with Jesus… The richest reward in heaven is the smile of our Master. Let Jesus have His reward! Let Jesus have His pleasure! He is worthy of it! It is a wonder that we should be employed by the Father to give glory to Christ! It is an honor too great!”
Even if nobody responds with a “yes” to what we’re sharing, it still matters—a lot. Because every time we open our mouths to talk about God’s goodness, we’re doing exactly what we were made for: giving Him glory.
Suddenly, that conversation that seemed to go nowhere… it wasn’t wasted. That story you shared, even though the other person just nodded politely… it mattered. Those moments when you tried to put your faith into words and felt like you stumbled… they were worship.
Evangelism isn’t about measuring success; it’s about moments of worship scattered through our days like seeds. Some might grow, some might not. But each one matters because each one says, “God, You’re worth talking about.”
So next time you’re wondering if it’s worth opening your mouth to share, remember this: You’re not just talking; you’re worshiping.
For Sinners’ Enjoyment of Jesus
Remember that moment you first got it? Really got it? When the truth about Jesus moved from your head to your heart and everything… shifted?
That overwhelming peace. That sense that everything was different now, even though nothing around you had changed. You know what I mean.
Evangelism is about watching someone discover that they’re loved beyond measure. Seeing their eyes light up when they realize God isn’t who they thought He was.
God lets us be part of these moments. He could do it all Himself—write His message in the stars, speak directly to every heart. But instead, He invites us to join Him. To share our stories of how He found us. And when someone gets it—when they experience that same shift we did…
There’s nothing quite like it. Heaven throws a party (Jesus said that, not me!). But here on earth? We get to see it up close. Watch peace settle over someone’s face. See hope spark in eyes that were dull before. Witness somebody realize they’re not just surviving anymore—they’re coming alive.
God wants to use our stories to help others find their way home. Watching someone else discover Jesus might be one of the sweetest gifts we get this side of heaven.
For Fear of God’s Wrath and Eternity in Hell
Sometimes we need to talk about hard things—the kind that make us uncomfortable, that wake us up at night, that remind us why sharing Jesus isn’t just a nice option but an urgent necessity.
Can we be real for a minute?
When’s the last time you thought about forever? Not the casual “forever” we throw around, but actual eternity. It stretches my mind every time I try to wrap my thoughts around it. No end. No stopping point. Just… endless.
And here’s where it gets heavy: Jesus talked about two forevers. Two destinations. Heaven isn’t just a nice addition to the gospel message—it’s one-half of the most serious reality we’ll ever face.
The other half? That’s harder to talk about. Hell. Eternal separation from God. Jesus spoke about it with urgency in His voice—not to scare people, but because He loved them too much to stay silent.
You know that feeling when you see someone walking toward danger? Your heart races. Everything in you cries out, “Stop! Watch out!” That’s what we’re dealing with here—but the stakes are so much higher.
This truth is not comfortable. It’s not popular. But if we believe what Scripture says about eternity—really believe it—how can we keep quiet?
Think about someone you love. Someone whose laugh makes your day better. Someone who means the world to you. Now imagine them walking away from God’s grace, step by step, day by day. What wouldn’t you do to help them see there’s another way?
This isn’t about scaring people into heaven. Fear might change behavior, but it rarely changes hearts. This is about love—the kind of love that can’t bear the thought of someone missing out on God’s grace. The kind of love Jesus showed when He wept over Jerusalem, wanting to gather its people close “as a hen gathers her chicks” (Matthew 23:37).
When we grasp what’s at stake—when we really understand that every person we meet will exist forever somewhere—it changes how we see them. That guy who cut you off in traffic? Eternal soul. That neighbor who drives you crazy? Eternal soul. That family member who seems so far from God? Eternal soul.
We’re not just warning people about danger. We’re offering them life. Real life. Full life. Forever life with the God who loves them more than they can imagine.
The same Jesus who spoke clearly about hell also said, “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly” (John 10:10). That’s what we’re inviting people into—not just escape from judgment, but embrace by a Father who runs to welcome them home (Luke 15:20).
So yeah, the stakes are high. Eternally high. But we don’t share out of panic. We share because love compels us. Because everyone needs to know there’s a choice.
And maybe… someone’s eternal story will change because we cared enough to speak up.
Authentic Rather Than Artificial
The shepherds didn’t rehearse their lines or workshop their delivery. They stumbled into town, probably still wide-eyed from what they’d seen, and the words tumbled out.
God keeps doing this—picking everyday people who end up telling extraordinary stories. Not because they’re polished speakers, but because they can’t stop talking about what they’ve seen, what they know.
Sometimes we overcomplicate sharing our faith, don’t we? We think we need the perfect words, the right moment. But those shepherds—they burst into Bethlehem with news too big to hold in. No strategy. No script. Just “You won’t believe what we just saw!”
This Christmas carries that same invitation. Not to become someone we’re not, but to let others peek into what we’ve experienced with Jesus. Real stories. Real moments. Real hope.
Those shepherds never appeared before the Sanhedrin or preached to thousands. They told their story to whoever would listen. And here we are, still talking about it.
What would it look like if we shared Jesus the way we share other things that light us up inside? No formulas. No forced conversations. Just the natural overflow of hearts that have brushed up against something too wonderful to keep quiet about.
The gospel spreads best through ordinary people who’ve met an extraordinary God—through farmers and teachers and office workers who’ve stumbled into grace and can’t help mentioning it.
A Prayer for the Day Ahead
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the shepherds’ example of joyful witness. As we approach Christmas, help us to share Your story naturally, love others authentically, speak truth graciously, and live out our faith visibly. Give us the courage to speak, wisdom in timing, love in our approach, and joy in sharing. Guide us to those who need Your hope this season. Lord Jesus, as Christmas draws near, fill us with the same joy that compelled the shepherds to share their story.
In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection Questions for Believers
- How does the shepherds’ example encourage you?
- How has God’s work in your life created a story worth sharing?
- Who in your life needs to hear about Christ’s love? How can you reach out to them?
Spiritual Conversation Starters for Unbelievers
- “What’s your favorite part of the Christmas story? I’ve always been intrigued by the shepherds’ experience.”
- “Would you be interested in hearing what Christmas means to me personally?”
- “How do you think faith might relate to finding purpose in life?”
Mercy Mild for Only $0.99: Limited Time Christmas Offer!
Get your copy of Mercy Mild: A 25-Day Christmas Devotional Tracing Christ’s Love from Eden to Eternity today for just $0.99 on Kindle—available for a limited time here: https://amzn.to/4gshXT2